Midgets

Arlington Midgets lock horns with Omaha Rams

11/07/99 - The Eagle Midgets participated in the 1999 Midwest Midget Football Classic at Benson High School on Saturday, November 6th. This Football Classic pulls in the best youth football programs in the Omaha and Kansas City regions. The Eagles placed their winning record on the table against one of top Midget teams in the Omaha area, the Ralston Rams. The final score can't compare to the heart and intensity that was displayed by the Eagles on the field that afternoon.

The Rams offensive quickly took the opening kick from their 30-yard line and marched down the field using a combination of runs and passes to score. The extra 2-point kick was good (in the Midget league, a place kick after a touchdown is worth 2 points). The Eagle offensive unit couldn't get a drive going and punted back to the Rams. The Rams moved the ball from their 45-yard line to the Arlington 9, before the Eagle defense topped the Rams on the 4th down play.

In the second quarter, the Arlington offense moved the ball from their 9 to the 50-yard line, but quarterback, Trevor Cucinello, couldn't get through the Ram defensive line for a first down. The Rams offense moved the ball to the Arlington end zone by mixing up running and passing plays. The extra 2-point kick was good. Even though down 16 to 0 with minutes left in the second quarter, the Eagles kept up their intensity. Adam Monke fielded the Ram kick-off ball at the Arlington 18-yard line. With his teammates blocking ahead, Monke darted down the left side of the field 68 yards down to the Ram 14-yard line. The Eagle excitement quickly subsided when on first down, the Eagles fumbled the ball and the Rams recovered at the 28-yard line.

After a couple of exchanges of the ball in the third quarter, the Ram offense drove the ball from their 34-yard line to the Arlington 23-yard line. The Eagle defense made a big play and caused the Ram running back to fumble. Adam Monke picked up the fumbled ball on the 24-yard line and raced 76 yards for the Eagle touchdown.

In the fourth quarter, the Rams took control of the game and drove from their 43-yard line to score with 4 minutes left to play. Their extra 2-point kick was good. The Arlington offense tried to put together a drive from their 39-yard line, but on the next series of downs was stopped on the fourth down attempt. The game ended with the Rams defeating the Eagles, 24 to 6.

The Midget players who took part in this tournament left with sore muscles and bruises, but they took with them their pride and sense of accomplishment by playing competitive with one of the best Midget programs in the Omaha area. We will see the names of many of these players again as they move on from Arlington Youth Football into the high school program. The sprit and winning attitude among the Midget and PeeWee players was born this year and it is contagious. Wait until next year for the fun to begin, again!

Article written by AYF Correspondent, Paul Thies.